SSA Global Technologies Announces New Solution Strategy and Availability of BPCS Cross-Functional Enhancements.

Business Editors/Technology Writers

BOCA RATON, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 27, 2001

At its Global Client Forum, SSA Global Technologies Inc.(TM) (SSA GT(TM)), a worldwide provider of enterprise solutions and services, unveiled its new solution strategy for BPCS(R) (Business Planning and Control System). As part of this vision, the company announced the availability of cross-functional enhancements that allow current clients to apply innovative e-business technologies and realize bottom line benefits.

The new enhancements to BPCS include:

-- BPCS eCommerce - A series of applications focused on order processing,
material buying and selling, and material order fulfillment. These solutions,
which include eSales and eProcurement, allow companies to reduce operational
costs, improve productivity, and simplify internal processes.

-- BPCS Collaborative Commerce - A series of business-to-business collaborative
commerce solutions that are designed to optimize supply chain operations and
assist in effectively developing collaborative communities with business
partners.

-- BPCS Enterprise Resource Management (ERM) - A series of flexible and
scaleable solutions that provide organizations extended enterprise reach
through service and sales force automation functions. ERM is a critical
component in the extended supply chain and allows clients to efficiently and
effectively manage customers and partners.

-- BPCS Business Intelligence (Enterprise Performance Analytics)

- A series of analytic applications, powered by Cognos, that

provide a foundation for business performance measurement. The

first solution available in the series, Sales Analysis,

enables businesses to analyze all aspects of the sales

function from effectiveness of sales and distribution

organizations to product and customer performance.

-- Core Enhancements - A Web Client for BPCS Versions 6, 8 and CD

and BPCS XML processor allows clients to send and receive XML

messages in Open Application Group (OAG) standards. Vertical

enhancements to core product establishes phase one

harmonization that enables mid-market large and global clients

to implement upgrades in a time frame that meets business

needs.

"Our selective approach to partnerships meets all industry standards and most importantly the requirements of our clients. Our alliances and branding strategy ensure that our clients are provided with top-notch solutions that complement core solutions on a global scale. This all underscores our commitment to premier customer service, faster problem solving and efficient solution development," said Michael Greenough, chief executive officer, SSA GT.

The solutions provide clients with the tools to exploit the numerous benefits associated with advanced e-commerce technologies. Clients can realize improved efficiency, organizational effectiveness and reduced time-to-market. By helping companies optimize business processes, clients can maximize revenue and profit opportunities in the short-term and plan migration to a later versions of BPCS when the time is right. SSA GT will continue to support BPCS versions CD (4.05), BPCS V6 and BPCS V8 and provide backward compatibility to BPCS eCommerce, ERM and collaborative commerce solutions.

In addition to the new solutions, SSA GT has incorporated an interoperability technology to ensure that solution interface management, data conversion, and data transportation is seamless. This robust technology provides a standardized framework and avoids the need to utilize custom programming. The IBM Websphere(R) toolset is utilized extensively by SSA GT for interoperability and eCommerce solution deployment.

"We recognize that clients need to protect their investment in BPCS and take advantage of new technologies that will improve profitability and allow them to deliver better service. Some of our largest clients have said that BPCS is the best value for money. Now we are giving our clients the added functionality to stick with us for the long haul" said Greenough.

About SSA Global Technologies

SSA Global Technologies, Inc., is a leading provider of enterprise software and services to the world's industrial sector companies, dedicated to the assessment, design, development, implementation and support of business solutions which improve business processes and increase profitability.

SSA GT's core product, BPCS, is a flexible ERP platform that easily integrates with strategic partner applications to deliver e-commerce, business intelligence, customer relationship (CRM) and supply-chain solutions. Worldwide, SSA GT is focused on addressing the needs of industrial sector companies, more specifically in the automotive supply, consumer goods (incorporating fast moving consumer goods, food beverage and tobacco and consumer electronics), pharmaceutical/chemical and general manufacturing industries.

Headquartered in Chicago, SSA GT operates offices throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia/Pacific/Japan and Latin America. To find out more, visit the SSA GT Web site at www.ssagt.com.

BPCS is a registered trademark; SSA Global Technologies and SSA GT are trademarks of SSA Global Technologies, Inc. Other products mentioned in this document are registered, trademarked or service marked by their respective owners.